A cold front bringing strong and shifting winds is expected to move into the Cariboo Fire Centre today and persist into Sunday. There is also a risk of lightning, as winds could gust up to 60 kilometres per hour in unpredictable directions.  

Given the current wildfire situation throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre, the BC Wildfire Service anticipates that this weather system will lead to a substantial increase in wildfire activity throughout the region.

This wind event could cause existing fires to grow significantly and any new fires may burn aggressively and spread quickly. Firefighting crews have spent the last few days preparing for these expected conditions, but containment efforts will be challenged by the gusty winds.

Although precipitation is expected in the Cariboo Fire Centre over the next couple of days, the amount of rainfall will vary by region. Rain can help decrease fire behaviour temporarily, but its benefits can be short-lived if hot and windy conditions return.

The BC Wildfire Service’s priorities in the Cariboo Fire Centre over the weekend are ensuring the safety of first responders and the public, protecting transportation corridors and conducting aggressive initial attacks on any new fires that start.

The BC Wildfire Service is urging members of the public to remain vigilant. To report a wildfire or an open burning violation, please call 1 800 663-5555 or *5555 on a cellphone.

For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, call 1 888 3-FORESTor visit: www.bcwildfire.ca

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